CHILDREN in Coventry could have a new attraction on hot summer days this year ? a new paddling pool in the War Memorial Park.

For years, parents in the city have asked for a replacement for the old pool and now the city council is poised to spend #354,000 on a modern version.

Youngsters would be able to run on a non-slip surface through 36 water jets, which will react to movement.

There would be play equipment, a fence to keep out dogs and bicycles and closed-circuit TV cameras, which would also cover the skate park, play area, war memorial and pavilion, which is also being refurbished.

The project, part of an overall plan to transform the park, will be discussed by the city council cabinet and ratification committee on Tuesday.

The park?s original paddling pool, one of Coventry?s best-loved and most popular, was filled in more than 12 years ago after being deemed too dangerous for safe play and too expensive to keep clean.

It was replaced with a #60,000, saucer-shaped splash pool, which was designed to be vandal-proof, easy to maintain and safe.